CPD warns of phone call scams

The Covington Police Department is warning residents to be wary of phone calls asking for any financial or personal information.

“It is a scam,” Covington Assistant Chief Almond Turner said.

Turner said CPD has been fielding calls where people are being told they won a sweepstakes and are asked for money. Others are being told they can enter to win a Mercedes or something similar for $50 or $100.

“We ask (residents) just to hang up and not talk to them,” Turner said. “If it is anyone from the bank, they would send them something.”

Turner said he himself received a phone call by someone appearing to be a computer company. He said they attempted install a remote access to his computer, either to install a virus or steal information.

CPD urges residents to hang up on these calls, or get their phone number and tell them you will call them back, and report it to the authorities.

“The key to the whole thing is if they are with the credit card company, they should have your information already,” Turner said. “If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is say ‘I’m not going to give my information out.’”

If you are contacted by one of these phone call scams, contact Turner at 770-385-2143 or Captain Ken Malcom at 770-385-2126.